Thailand’s PM Replaces Almost his Entire Economic Team

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is not looking for advice on a cabinet reshuffle, but economy czar MR Pridiyathorn

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BANGKOK – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha said on Wednesday, almost the entire economic team will be replaced by a new team led by Mr Somkid Jatusripitak.

Dr. Somkid Jatusripitak

Mr Somkid Jatusripitak is currently advisor to the National Council for Peace and Order and will swap post with Deputy Prime Minister M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula.

He said he had assigned General Vilas Arunsri, secretary-general of the prime minister, to talk with M.R. Pridiyathorn about the position swapping and believed there would not be any problem.

The prime minister disclosed that the reshuffle would involve more than 10 positions with several ministers being removed and some swapping posts. He insisted those who are to be replaced did not under-perform with some of them offering to take a break citing their old age.

Asked about the economic team led by M.R. Pridiyathorn, the prime minister said almost all of them would be replaced and he expected the new team, to be led by Mr Somkid, would perform well as had been expected by the public.

He disclosed that Deputy Prime Minister Visanu Kruea-ngarm would retain his post while another deputy, Mr Yongyuth Yutthawong, would be named his advisor and General Thanasak Patimaprakorn would retain his post as deputy prime minister but would have to cede the foreign portfolio to a senior foreign official.

He made clear that the new cabinet would have to work harder than the current one as they would have to start implementing reforms as well.